Ohanaeze President General Reaffirms Commitment to Handover to Rivers State Indigene on January 10, 2025″

The President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Nze Ozichukwu Fidelis Chukwu, has reaffirmed his commitment to handing over leadership to an indigene of Rivers State on January 10, 2025.

Chukwu made the statement during the valedictory session of the National Executive Committee (NEC) of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, which was held on Wednesday at the National Secretariat in Enugu.

Although his tenure as President-General has been brief, Chukwu emphasized that the impact and legacy of the leadership will be remembered. “The millions of Igbo people all over the world are watching us with more than a passing interest on the quality of Ohanaeze leadership that will be enthroned on January 10, 2025,” he said.

He underscored that the success or failure of any organization is determined by its leadership recruitment process. Chukwu stated that the Screening, Appeal, and Electoral Committees for the forthcoming Ohanaeze election comprise individuals with impeccable public records and integrity.

The President-General urged the people of Igbo extraction in Rivers State, as well as other Igbo states, to ensure that only men and women of integrity and proven records of accomplishments are nominated for leadership positions in accordance with Ohanaeze Ndigbo’s zoning principles.

“Every true Igbo looks forward to a vibrant Ohanaeze Ndigbo; a sociocultural organization that comprises men and women of honor, moral rectitude, and selfless service,” he said. “An organization that places the Igbo interest first in its policies and programs and is embraced by every Igbo, irrespective of political, ideological, or religious affiliations.”

Chukwu outlined that, for anyone to lead the Igbo, they must possess proven leadership experience, especially in cultural organizations, town unions, age grades, market associations, or similar contexts. He further emphasized that such a leader must have a strong educational background, leadership traits like strategic thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills, as well as a deep understanding of Igbo culture, traditions, and values.

Moreover, the leader must maintain a profile of strong moral character, transparency, and accountability, Chukwu added.

In his speech, Chukwu also introduced two new Executive Orders aimed at strengthening Ohanaeze Ndigbo. The first order relates to Membership Registration, a move designed to address the longstanding financial challenges faced by the organization since its founding in 1976. Chukwu proposed that every Igbo person contribute a registration fee of One Hundred Naira per month, or One Thousand Two Hundred Naira annually, while affiliate organizations would pay an annual fee of Two Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira.

“Every proud Igbo will subscribe to these fees, as we all aspire for a viable Ohanaeze with a strong economic base,” Chukwu said. “Membership registration will give members a sense of belonging, ownership, and participation.”

The second Executive Order established the Presidential Advisory Council (PAC), which is tasked with advisory, representative, oversight, and supportive roles. The PAC will provide strategic guidance, policy formulation, stakeholder engagement, community outreach, mentorship, fundraising, conflict resolution, and capacity-building.

Both Executive Orders were approved by the NEC during the session.

Chukwu also led the NEC members on a tour of the Centre for Memories located at No. 2 Awgu Street, Independence Layout, Enugu.

In his concluding remarks, Chukwu appealed to the Federal Government to intensify efforts to address insecurity in the South-East by assisting the states in reviving industries and providing employment opportunities for the youth. He called for a balanced approach, combining both kinetic and non-kinetic strategies, to restore peace and order in the region.